Polygonal patterned ground
Polygonal, patterned ground is quite common in some regions of Mars. It is commonly believed to be caused by the sublimation of ice from the ground. Sublimation is the direct change of solid ice to a gas. This is similar to what happens to dry ice on the Earth. Places on Mars that display polygonal ground may indicate where future colonists can find water ice. Low center polygons have been proposed as a marker for ground ice.
Wide view of crater containing polygons with frost in the low parts, as seen by HiRISE under the HiWish program
Closer view of polygons with frost in the low parts, as seen by HiRISE under the HiWish program
Still closer view of polygons, as seen by HiRISE under the HiWish program
Close view of polygons with frost in the low parts, as seen by HiRISE under the HiWish program Circular shapes are also visible.
The Noachis quadrangle is one of a series of 30 quadrangle maps of Mars used by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Astrogeology Research Program. The Noachis quadrangle is also referred to as MC-27.
Image of the Noachis Quadrangle (MC-27). The northeast includes the western half of Hellas basin. The southeastern region contains Peneus Patera and part of the Amphitrites volcano.
Scalloped Terrain at Peneus Patera, as seen by HiRISE. Scalloped terrain is quite common in some areas of Mars.
Scalloped topography, as seen by HiRISE
Close view of scalloped topography, as seen by HiRISE
